Easy Sausage and Shrimp Gumbo is a simplified take on the classic Cajun dish, offering bold, smoky flavors with minimal effort. Packed with hearty sausage, tender shrimp, and the iconic “holy trinity” of onions, bell peppers, and celery, this gumbo has all the rich taste of traditional recipes without the long cooking time. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this version of gumbo is full of warmth and spice, making it a comforting meal to serve over rice.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup okra, sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Cooked rice for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 5-7 minutes to make a roux, cooking until it turns a deep brown color.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the roux, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, and black pepper. Add the sausage slices and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sausage to brown slightly.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Add the okra (if using) and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the gumbo to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the gumbo hot over cooked rice, garnished with fresh parsley.
This Easy Sausage and Shrimp Gumbo is a quick, flavorful dish that delivers the comforting, spicy flavors of the South with minimal effort, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.